SPRX #15's Journey

SPRX #15's Journey

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Happy Holidays

We have completed our shed just in time for the holidays. This will allow volunteers to keep warm while restoring our equipment. This work will likely begin again early in the new year. If you are interested in lending a hand, please email us at townofogema@gmail.com.

Happy Holidays


Saturday, November 26, 2011

Almost ready

Our shed is nearing completion. Soon we will be able to roll our passenger car and baggage car in to finish restoring them for our July 2012 grand opening!

Here are a few pictures of our progress.

Enjoy




Monday, November 21, 2011

Preparing for winter

With the deep freeze of winter seemingly here to stay, construction of a building to house our train has begun on the tracks east of the train station in Ogema.

A pole shed is currently being constructed to allow volunteers to continue restoring our passenger car and baggage car during the winter. The tin exterior is expected to be completed within the next couple of weeks, allowing us to heat the building when needed.

We will be providing periodic updates over the winter months on the progress of the restoration. In the meantime, here are a few pictures of the shed and our equipment. Keep in mind that the caboose is not owned by Southern Prairie Railway but will be used during our excursions.

Enjoy




Monday, November 14, 2011

Southern Prairie Railway Kicks Off!!

Southern Prairie Railway held it's community kick off on November 4th in front of hundreds of onlookers. A freshly painted and restored locomotive #15 along with a partially restored passenger car rolled into the 1912 Ogema train station to thunderous applause. (Visit Southern Prairie Railway on Facebook for a video of the train arriving in Ogema)

With the arrival of the Train in Ogema, the real restoration of the passenger car can begin. While in Assiniboia, the interior of the car was completely stripped as well as the exterior. I new coat of paint was added to the roof and the majority of the exterior. The interior will be restored to resemble it's original 1920's look over the winter.

The supper and silent auction held on the evening of our kick off was also a huge success. Bringing in much needed funds to help get this project off the ground. However, much still needs to be done to bring us to our July 2012 Grand Opening. Donations are gladly being accepted. For more information on our fundraising initiatives, visit http://www.southernprairierailway.com/fundraising.html or call Carol at (306) 459-2544.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us to this point. Here are a few pictures of how our train is looking today.






Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Harvest draws to a close

Another successful harvest has drawn to a close. And with that we have some exciting updates on the progress of Southern Prairie Railway.

Over the last couple of months, hundreds of hours of volunteer time has been spent restoring our passenger car and locomotive in Assiniboia.

Our passenger car is in the process of being completely restored with the interior being removed including all of the seats and many coats of old paint. The exterior is also receiving an overhaul in preparation for a new coat of paint.

The locomotive has already been completely stripped of paint and has received a primer and a sealant. This is why she is green in the pictures below. We hope to have it painted black by the end of the week.

If all goes according to plan, we hope to have the exterior of both our locomotive and passenger car ready for display. This will allow us to continue to restore the interior of the car over the winter.

We will be providing updates more often over the next few weeks as we continue the restoration. In the mean time, please enjoy some pictures of the work that has been done so far.

Enjoy!



Thursday, August 4, 2011

New arrival

A caboose has recently arrived in Ogema on loan to run along side our existing fleet. Our locomotive and passenger car are still in Assiniboia receiving some much needed touch ups before they arrive in Ogema. Below are a few pictures of the caboose and the work that is being done on our locomotive which is currently being prepped for a new coat of paint.

Enjoy






Tuesday, June 21, 2011

It's been a long few months...

After a very stressful few months, our passenger car and locomotive are finally on the tracks in Assiniboia.

The flatbed rail cars carrying our passenger car and its wheels or "trucks" as they are called, arrived last week. Our locomotive arrived by semi trailer in two parts, the wheels early last week and the body on Saturday afternoon.

The locomotive was transported by Titan Transport (through JJ Transport) who were amazing through this whole process. The locomotive and car were lifted by Lift-All Cranes out of Moose Jaw who also did a great job.



The Locomotive was unloaded first so we could send Roger, our truck driver, on his way. This was done by using 2 cranes, one with a capacity of 75 tons and the other 90 tons. The semi trailer was backed up over the tracks with both sets of the train wheels on either side. Once the locomotive was lifted off of the trailer, the semi pulled ahead and the cranes rotated the locomotive and set her on her wheels. The process is shown below.




Once our locomotive was safely on the tracks, we were able to roll the passenger car under the cranes, lift her up and pull the flatbed car out from underneath her. Then it was just a matter of rolling the wheels under her and setting her down. Below are some pictures.




With both units now on the tracks, the "touch-up" work can begin to ready them for their trip to Ogema. This trip is scheduled for early July, possibly Ogema Fair Day. However, due to the extreme amount of rain we have received in Southern Saskatchewan this year, there are a few sections of track between Assiniboia and Ogema that will need to be repaired first.

Taking this into consideration, we will be bringing updates on the preparation of the locomotive and car as well as confirmation on their arrival date in Ogema.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Half way there

We have received word that the wheels or "trucks" of the locomotive have arrived in Assiniboia. The body is traveling separately and is expected to reach Minot today and Assiniboia tomorrow.

As well, we may be looking at unloading on Monday due to the weather and availability of cranes on the weekend. We should know more by the end of the day or early tomorrow morning.

We will keep everyone posted.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Locomotive Update

As we speak, our locomotive is rolling through Ohio and is expected to arrive in Assiniboia on Saturday.

We have found, with trying to transport something the size of a locomotive, that things don't always go as planned. Several permits have to be in place to allow her to move across certain highways which sometimes causes delays.

This has been the case as we originally intended to have the locomotive and passenger car unloaded this past Monday.

The current plan is to begin unloading Saturday afternoon in Assiniboia. We felt that it would make more sense to reassemble these units in Assiniboia due to availability of shop space and tools.

With this in mind, we intend to unveil the completed engine and car in Ogema on Fair Day weekend which falls on July 9th this year.

We will be posting pictures of our progress as well as updates on unloading over the next few days and weeks.

Check back often!

Monday, June 13, 2011

We had mentioned that we were hoping to have the lift off tomorrow, Tuesday June 14. This has been pushed back, as the locomotive didn't leave New Hampshire until this morning. 

With this in mind, we hope to have the lift-off in Ogema on this Friday, June 17. This is assuming we don't hit any more snags when it comes to the transportation of this 44 ton locomotive!

Check back often for the confirmed date and time!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

unloading info

First off, our locomotive is currently being dismantled with loading happening on Friday in North Conway, New Hampshire. She is expected to arrive in Ogema on Monday, June 13.

We will be unloading both the locomotive and passenger car on Tuesday, June 14. However, we are unsure where this unloading will take place as we have received word that there is a washout somewhere along the Red Coat rail line. This may be repaired before Tuesday but if not, it will happen somewhere closer to Assiniboia rather than in Ogema.

We will post an update as soon as we have more concrete info on when and where the unloading will happen.

We hope you are able to come out and witness this historic event!!

Monday, June 6, 2011

only 100 kms to go!

We have received word that our passenger car, the Mount Holly, has reached Assiniboia, SK. Assiniboia is the central hub for several privately owned railway companies.

The Red Coat Road & Rail is a stretch of track from Pangman to just east of Assiniboia. This line includes Ogema and is locally owned by several farmers along this line.

Great Western Railway Ltd. is based in Assiniboia and transports producer cars from the privately owned rail lines back to Assiniboia.

Great Western will most likely be transporting the Mount Holly to Ogema next week so she can be lifted off of the flat bed rail car onto the tracks in Ogema. We will also be doing the same with our locomotive which is coming by semi trailer and will arrive next week as well.

We will be posting the date and time of this lift off and we invite everyone to come to Ogema to watch this historic event as we take one of the first steps in bringing Saskatchewan it's first full-sized tourist railway!!

If you have any feedback or questions, please don't hesitate to contact us by email at Southern Prairie Railway.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

snapped some pictures

Darren with the Regina CP Railyards was kind enough to let us snap some pictures of our passenger car while she waited to clear customs.

We hope to see her leave for Moose Jaw and then Assiniboia any day now.

On another positive note, our CEO and mechanic are heading to North Conway, New Hampshire to begin dismantling the locomotive for transport. We are hoping this will take place during the middle of next week with loading happening on Friday, June 10. This would result in her arriving in Ogema around June 14.

Keep your finger crossed!!!

Here are the pictures. Enjoy





Tuesday, May 31, 2011

She's really moving!!

Our passenger car arrived in Regina, SK yesterday!! She will stay there until she clears customs but may move onto Moose Jaw and then Assiniboia as early as this afternoon.

We are expecting our locomotive to be here within 2 weeks as we are sending our CEO and mechanic down to North Conway this week to dismantle and load her.

Stay tuned!!!

Monday, May 30, 2011

Keep an eye out

Because our passenger car is being transported "along the CP line", and some of the track from Pangman to Weyburn was removed over a decade ago, she will have to pass through Moose Jaw and then Assiniboia.

She will be passing through Estevan, Weyburn, Yellow Grass, Milestone, Rouleau and everywhere in between.

If you are in these areas and see her over the next few days, please snap a picture and/or let us know. You can email pictures to townofogema@gmail.com and with your permission, we will post them here.

Below is what she looks like right now.

Oh Canada

We have just received word that our passenger car should be passing into Canada today! Our last update put her in Portal, North Dakota, which is right across the border form North Portal, Saskatchewan.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

One step closer

Our passenger car is near Harvey, North Dakota which is only about 170 kms from the Canadian Border. We expect to send our mechanic down to North Conway, New Hampshire late next week to begin preparing the locomotive for transport.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Canadian Border, here she comes

The Mt. Holly is just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and over half way to Ogema. 


She appears to be moving much faster now that she is on the CP line! If this pace keeps up, we hope to be sending our mechanic down to New Hampshire within the next couple of weeks to begin preparing our locomotive for it's move!!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Nearly half way home!

Our passenger car is approaching the half way point of it's journey to Ogema. She is currently in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and made the jump from the Norfolk Railway to the Canadian Pacific Railway when she passed through Chicago. She will stay on the CPR until she reaches Assiniboia.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Thursday, May 12, 2011

On the Move

After a long week in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania trainyards, our passenger car is on the move again! Next stop is Chicago, then onto Minneapolis and then the Canadian border. 

We hope to reach the Canadian border within 3 weeks. Once we know she is in Canada, we will send our mechanic down to North Conway, New Hampshire to remove the "trucks" or wheels from our diesel locomotive in preparation for loading. The locomotive will then by hoisted by crane onto a waiting flat bed trailer. Because she will be coming by road, this will likely only take 1 week. 

Once both items arrive in Ogema, we will be having a celebration as a crane lifts both pieces onto the railway track outside of our 1912 CPR train station. 

We will post the exact date of this celebration in this thread as well as on our website at www.southernprairierailway.com. 


Here are some more loading pics!!







Thursday, May 5, 2011

Next stop...Chicago

Our passenger car is currently in Enola, Pennsylvania. We expect it to reach Chicago, Illinois by Sunday.

Fun Fact:

This 1920's era Pullman 70 passenger rail car, also known as the "Mount Holly" originally operated on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad or DL&W for short.

The DL&W connected the Lackawanna Valley in Pennsylvania to Hoboken, New Jersey and Buffalo, New York. Below is the route that the Mount Holly likely traveled.


courtesy of Wikipedia 

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

She's on her way

We received news yesterday that our passenger car has left Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and is on her way to her new home in Ogema. We expect this to take 4-6 weeks. 

Once we have a better idea on the time of arrival of the passenger car, we will begin the move of the locomotive. This move has been delayed because we would prefer both units arrive in Ogema at the same time and the locomotive will be coming by truck which will take approximately one week. 

So stay tuned for periodic updates!!

We have also received some pictures of the passenger car being loaded. Enjoy!!






Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Any day now!!

We know that our passenger car is loaded and ready to go. But it sounds like there is still some paperwork that has to be worked out down in Gettysburg.

We will be tweeting (@SP_Railway) and blogging as soon as we get the news. We also hope to get pictures of the car being loaded and will post them here.

Please stay tuned!!!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

It's Happening!!

We have received word from the company hired to transport the passenger car from Gettysburg to its new home in Ogema. They have indicated that the flat bed rail cars that will carry our new passenger car have arrived. The passenger car will be loaded onto these flat beds in 2 phases: the wheels, also called bogeys or trucks, will be removed from the bottom of the car so it can be planted firmly on the flat bed car, with the "trucks" travelling on a separate car.

The loading was expected to happen yesterday, but high winds forced them to delay. We will bring updates as they come in and will try to provide pictures.

We expect this trip will take 4 - 6 weeks and we will give periodic updates on where the passenger car is in its journey.

As well, our new GE 44 tonner diesel locomotive will begin its journey from North Conway, New Hampshire in the coming weeks and we will also chronicle it's journey to Ogema.

Please check back for updates!!

Here are a couple photos of the interior of the "Pullman" 70 Passenger Car.



Tuesday, April 5, 2011

A little background Info

Here is a little background info on what it is we're doing and where we are heading:


"The Ogema Heritage Railway Association began as the Transportation Division of the Deep South Pioneer Museum in July, 2010. Southern Prairie Railway, the operating division of the Ogema Heritage Railway Association, has been in the process of being created for the last four years.


The Ogema Heritage Railway Association is a charitable non-profit museum and will be the owners of the heritage train station and the engine and equipment.


The engine and one passenger car have been purchased and fundraising has begun.  Funds raised will be used to help with purchase, moving and restoration costs.  Our goal is to have the train tour fully operational for Ogema’s centennial celebration in 2012.


Our train tour will operate on the Redcoat Rail Line, which runs 114 km from Assiniboia to Pangman.  Abundant wildlife highlights this scenic rail line, which includes operational wooden elevators and the majestic Big Muddy Badlands.


Southern Prairie Railway continues to develop partnerships to foster the success of our train tours.  Our alliances with Red Coat Road and Rail, and the Deep South Pioneer museum are the foundation on which we are building.  Surrounding communities offer a wide range of interests from museums to historic sites to golf courses to cultural events.   Our tour train will feature Saskatchewan and its wealth of resources.  Coordinating train tours with local events will establish our area as one of Saskatchewan’s leading tourist destinations.


Southern Prairie Railway is planning to offer a variety of train experiences.  Starting with a low cost ride suitable for the whole family, to themed events including sunset rides and wine and cheese tours.  Our passengers will depart our train cherishing memories of a unique and very enjoyable Saskatchewan experience."

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Welcome

Welcome to Southern Prairie Railway's update blog. We will be bringing you periodic updates on the location of our new passenger car as it makes its trek from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to its new home in Ogema, Saskatchewan. We will also keep you up to date on our new diesel locomotive coming up from North Conway, New Hampshire.

Please stay tuned!!